University of Minnesota Extension nutrient management specialist Dan Kaiser recently finished a four year study on potassium (K) fertilizer application for corn and soybeans. The study aimed to determine the optimal K rate for both crops, assess if spring application of potash (potassium chloride, KCl) negatively impacts soybean yield (potentially due to too much chloride), and evaluate the accuracy of current plant tissue and soil testing guidelines. About the study The study was conducted from 2022 through 2025 at locations around Minnesota with various soil types. There were six trial locations each year totaling 24 site-years of data. Five K fertilizer rates were tested: 0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 lbs K2O per acre. Fall versus spring application timing was compared at each rate. Potassium was applied as potassium chloride (KCl), commonly known as potash. Researchers targeted locations with low soil test K levels, specifically those testing at 150 ppm or less (ideally 100–120 ppm or l...
You didn't need to be in Kansas or like the band with the same name yesterday to come up with the title for the blog post. There was dust in the wind. Visibility in parts of the Red River Valley was measured in feet rather than the usual miles at times. Below are two pictures of a wheat field that was damaged by yesterday's dust storm. Photo 1 - A field of spring wheat in the 2-leaf stage after yesterday's dust storm Photo 2 - A close-up of the 2-leaf spring wheat with damaged leaf tissue as a result of yesterday's dust storm This damage will be temporary as new leaves emerge from inside the leaf sheath of the second leaf, and tillers will appear in the axils of the first, second, and third leaves in the coming weeks. It's unlikely there will be any yield losses as a result of this dust storm.